In the aftermath of hostilities, people suffering from chronic illnesses often require particular medical attention. "I have had a history of diabetes for 10 years," said Madina Dzioeva, a Tskhinvali resident. "Insulin used to be delivered to me on a regular basis. Because of the recent hostilities my supplies have been cut off, and the insulin that I already had has spoiled as the lack of electricity prevented me from keeping it sufficiently cool. My neighbours brought me one dose of insulin from Vladikavkaz, but it is absolutely vital that I receive it regularly."

Responding to the requests of local people, the ICRC contacted health facilities and agreed to urgently supply insulin to the central pharmacy of Tskhinvali on a monthly basis. Today's delivery should cover the needs of all diabetes patients registered in South Ossetia. Long-term needs are currently being assessed by ICRC medical staff.

Previously, in response to an influx of patients, the ICRC provided the trauma department of the city's main hospital with enough drugs and dressing and surgical materials to treat 25 wounded persons. The ICRC also improved sanitary conditions in the hospital by installing water tanks on each floor and arranging for water to be trucked in every day. "Because of repair work being carried out in the hospital, we are sometimes cut off from the central water-supply network," said trauma department head Georgy Gogichaev. "Thanks to the simple system installed by the ICRC, we receive clean water every day."

Since 20 August, the ICRC has been steadily increasing the scale and reach of its operations in South Ossetia. Currently, over 50 staff are employed in its Tskhinvali office.